http://politics.guardian.co.uk/publicservices/story/0,11032,969353,00.html
Smokers 'to sign pledge' with doctors Nicholas Watt, political correspondent Tuesday June 3, 2003 The Guardian Smokers and overweight people will be asked to sign contracts with their doctors to agree a programme to quit smoking and lose weight under radical plans being drawn up by the government. In an attempt to remind people of their own responsibilities the health secretary, Alan Millburn, is examining plans for patients and doctors to agree a formal programme of treatment. Labour sources insisted last night that the plan, outlined in a Labour party policy document as part of preparations for the next general election manifesto, did not mean patients would be denied treatment if they refused to sign. But the Labour document makes clear that patients, particularly overweight people and smokers, will be reminded that they must have a role in caring for themselves. Under the new contracts, overweight people would be encouraged to exercise more and to eat a more balanced diet. The document says: "Agreements could be drawn up to help people to cut down or quit smoking, to lose weight, to take more exercise or to eat a more nutritious diet." Under Clive Bates, formerly director of anti-smoking organisation Ash, Downing Street's strategy unit has been examining consumer responsibility across every aspect of public services. The proposals are likely to be attacked by rebel Labour MPs who are already opposed to government plans to introduce elite foundation hospitals in the NHS. But government sources made clear last night that it had no intention of forcing people to do anything and treatment would never be denied to people. A Department of Health source said: "This is about reminding people that resources are finite. If they misuse them they are being denied to someone else." � The health secretary said that during a single week in March the target of treating patients within four hours of arrival in A&E was hit for 92.9% of patients. But a BMA survey found 55% of departments met the target in the week before the audit, 85% during that week and 63% a week later. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
